The Bible provides several signs that someone is a follower and disciple of Jesus. It’s important to note that these signs may show up differently in each individual’s life. Just as all Jesus’ disciples were different with different gifts, so we are all different. Following Jesus is a journey, some are just starting and others have been following Jesus for decades.
Here are some key biblical directives from the words and teaching of Jesus and Paul:
- Love for Others:
Jesus emphasized the importance of love, stating that all people will know His disciples by their love for one another.
Jesus said “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” – John 13:34-35.
2. Obedience to God’s Word:
A true disciple follows and obeys the teachings of Jesus as found in the Bible.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commands” – John 14:15.
Jesus – “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter.” – Matthew 7:21
3. Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruits of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should be evident in the life of a disciple.
Paul – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23
4. Making Disciples:
Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations. Actively participating in sharing the message of Christ and helping others grow in their faith is a sign of discipleship.
Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28: 19-20
5. Prayerful Life:
A disciple is committed to a life of prayer, seeking communion with God and relying on Him for guidance and strength.
Paul – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
6. Sacrificial Living:
Jesus taught about self-sacrifice and putting others before oneself. A disciple is willing to deny self and take up their cross
Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” – Mark 8:34
7. Humility:
Humility is a key characteristic of a disciple. Jesus exemplified humility, and He called His followers to do the same (Matthew 23:12).
Jesus – “The greatest among you must be a servant.But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
8. Forgiveness:
Disciples are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven them.
Paul – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. – Colossians 3:13
9. Fellowship with Believers:
Actively participating in the fellowship of believers, worshiping together, and supporting one another in the faith is a sign of discipleship.
Paul – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Remember, these signs are not exhaustive, and each person’s journey of discipleship may look unique. It’s a continual process of growth and transformation guided by the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
